Parking device



Sept. 14, 1937. J, L, BARR 2,093,183

PARKING DEVICE Original Filed Aug. 16, 1953 a Shets-Sheet '1 la /7 I Suva/Wm Jan/v L 5/9/8/2 WM VMW Sept. 14, 1937. J. 1.. BARR v 2,093,183

' PARKING DEVICE Original Filed Aug. 16, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jmw L fine/a I Sept. 14, 1937. BARR 2,093,183

' PARKING DEVICE Original Filed Aug. 16, 1935 s Sheets-Sheet ssupport in which the legs are positionel in parallel, I or a single leg, similarly mounted, on the longiw Patented Sept. 14, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PARKING DEVICE John L. Barr, Chevy Chase, Md.

Application August 16, 1933, Serial No. 685,486

Renewed February 6, 1937 r r 24 Claims.

applications: Serial No. 350,685, filed Mar. 28,

1929, now Patent No. 1,967,219, dated July 24, 1934; Serial No. 357,254, filed Apr. 22, 1929; Serial No. 363,172, filed May 15, 1929, now Patent No. 1,954,308, dated April 10, 1934; Serial No. 480,511, filed Sept. 8, 1930, now Patent No. 1,969,198, dated August 7, 1934; Serial No. 629,691, filed Aug. 20", 1932; Serial No. 648,649, filed Dec. 23, 1932; Serial No. 664,817, filed Apr. 6, 1933; and especially application Serial No. 629,691, filed Aug. 20, 1932.

In this last application I disclose a support adapted to be mounted on the axle of a vehicle carrying the steering wheels, whereby the steering wheels may be elevated, or the weight thereon substantially relieved by backward or forward movement of the vehicle on and off the support, thus affording free turning of the wheels to facilitate parking.

Particularly, I disclose a pair of legs universally mounted with respect to the axle and a base plate,

one on each side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and each oppositely mounted out of parallel.

The relative angular positioning of the legs prevents collapse of the support if the wheels are elevated out of contact with the road surface.

In my present invention I employ a similar tudinal axis of the vehicle, or on one side for relieving the weight of the vehicle on a single wheel. I find that a support leg, or a parallel pair, universally mounted between an axle and a base plate will not collapse when the steering Wheels are not completely elevated, but the weight thereon only relieved to a sufiicient degree to facilitate free turning of the wheels. This is due to the friction of the tires on the road surface resisting sidewise movement of the vehicle off the support. As it is only necessary in the practice of my invention to relieve the Weight of the vehicle on the wheels, without elevating the tires out of contact, this type of support possesses certain advantages which will herewith be more fully enumerated, which may be effectively employed.

An object of this invention is to provide a support for relieving the weight on the steering Wheels of a vehicle for free turning to facilitatfi;

(Cl. 280--150) v 7 parking, mounted to freely compensate for twisting and/or sidewise forces exerted thereon.

Another object of this invention is to provide a support for relieving the weight on the steering wheels of a vehiclefor free turning to facilitate parking, having a novel surface grip-ping base plate. 7

Still another object of this invention is toprovide a support for relieving the weight on the steering wheels of a vehicle for free turning to 10 facilitate parking, which may include a supplementary member to fix the support against collapse. A further object of this invention is to provi'de a'support for relieving the weight onthe steering wheels of a vehicle for free turning to facilitate parking, adapted to be held in inoperative position against spring tension to prevent rattling.

A still further object ofthis invention is to provide a support for relieving the weight on the steering wheels of a vehicle for free turning to facilitate parking, having a mounting providing for lengthening or shortening of the support.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a support for relieving the weight on the steering wheels of a vehicle for free turning to facilitate parking, having a leg adjustable in length.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a support for relieving the weight on the steering wheels of a vehicle for free turning to facilitate parking, having a single universally" mounted leg which may be positioned on, or on one side of, the longitudinal axis of a vehicle.

With these and other objects in view, which may be incident to my improvements, the invention consists in the parts and combinations to be hereinafter set forth and'claimed, with the understanding that the several necessary elements comprising my invention may be varied in construction, proportions and arrangement, without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. I

In order to make my invention more clearly understood, I have shown in the accompanying drawings means for carrying the same into practical effect without limiting the improvements. in their useful applications to the particular constructions, which, for the purpose of explanation, have been made the subject of illustration.

In the drawings forming a part of this specification:

Fig. 1 isafront view of my novel support shown mounted on the front assembly of 2. vehicle, in operative position.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the showing in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front view of a modified form of support shown mounted on a vehicle axle, embodying a single leg.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the support partly in section, shown mounted on a vehicle axle in operative position, and indicating the operation of the support in phantom.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the support partly in section shown mounted on a vehicle axle in inoperative position.

Fig. 6 is a bottom view taken on line 66 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a top view taken on line 'I'I of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a rear view taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a front View of a modified; form of support.

Fig. 10 is a side view taken on line I0I0 of Fi 9.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the surface gripping base plate.

Fig. 12 is a front view of a modified form of support shown mounted on an axle on one side of the longitudinal axis of a vehicle, embodying a single leg.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view from the side of a modified form of support leg adjustable in length.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view from the front of a modified form of mounting for adjusting the length of the support leg.

Fig. 15 is a side view taken on line I5-I6 of Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a bottom view of a shoe for the base plate.

Fig. 1'7 is a sectional View taken on line I'I--I'I of Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view of a modified form of base plate and shoe.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view of another modified form of base plate and shoe.

Fig. 20 is a sectional View of still another modified form of base plate and shoe.

Referring more particularly by numerals to the drawings, in which the same and similar elements are designated by like symbols of reference throughout, and more especially to Fig. 1,

there is shown the front axle I of a conventional.

vehicle carrying steering wheels, having tires 2 and 3 mounted thereon. 4 indicates the vehicle frame, mounted on the front axle on springs 5 and 6. A steering column I is shown mounted on one frame member 4 and a motor 8 suspended therebetween.

My novel support, as is also shown in Fig. 1, comprises a pair of spaced parallel legs 9 and I6, universally mounted between a base plate II and a top plate I2. The plate I2 is adapted to be secured to the underside of the'axle I by U-bolts I3 and I4. A spacer I5 is interposed between the plate I2 and the underside of the axle.

The support is adapted to be mounted across the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and while normally held in a raised inoperative position, capable of being lowered for free swinging movement, so that the axle I may be elevated to relieve the weight of the vehicle on the tires 2 and 3, by backward or forward movement of the vehicle on and off the support This allows the steering wheels to be freely turned to facilitate maneuvering in restricted spaces of the character of parking areas.

The support may obviously be raised and lowered in any suitable manner. In Fig. 2 there is shown a tubular conduit I6 attached to the steering column and terminating at the top end adjacent the steering wheel. The lower end of the conduit I6 is connected in an elbow I1 centrally fixed on the underside of a cross piece I8 attached to brackets I9 and 26 mounted on the motor, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Any other desirable mounting may manifestly be employed.

A cord or cable 2| having a ring 22 attached to the top end is extended through the conduit I6 and elbow I1 and the lower end attached to one end of a helical spring 23 having the other end connected to eye 23 centrally positioned on the base plate II, as shown in Fig. '7. The ring 22 is adapted to selectively engage a hook 24 attached to the steering column and readily accessible from the steering wheel. The length of the cord 2I is such that when the ring 22 engages the hook 24, the support will be held in its raised inoperative position. A pair of leaf springs 25 are fixed at one end, between the plate I2 and spacer I5, extending rearwardly, for contact by the base plate II when the support is raised, as shown in Fig. 5. Rubber cushions 26 are fixed on the undersides of the springs at the point of contact of the base plate on the support. The support in inoperative position is thus held raised against double spring tension through a rubber contact, to insure against rattling. The spiral spring 23 further compensates for relative move ment of the frame members 4 with respect to the axle I, through the springs 5 and 6, without strain on the cord or cable 2|. When it is desired to lower the support to its operative position, the ring 22 is disengaged from the hook 24 and the support allowed to drop for free swinging movement.

The legs 9 and Iii of the support, as is better shown in Figs. 4 and 5, are tapered at each end as at 21, and terminate at each end with balls 28, which may be either integrally formed, or attached. The taper on the legs provide for areduction in the weight of the support and a pleasing design.

The top plate I2 is formed with spaced cupped projections 29 on the underside for accommodating the balls on the tops of the pair of support legs, which are secured on the plate by caps 38, fixed thereto by screws 36, as shown in Fig.

6, and universal joints thus elfected. Similarly spaced cupped portions are provided on the top of the base plate for accommodating the lower balls on the legs, which are secured by caps 3I fixed on the base plate by screws 32, as shown in Fig. '7. The support legs are thus mounted for universal movement as respects both the top and base plates. The cap 29 are provided with radial slots 32 in the portion of their periphery facing the rear of the car to permit the legs 9 and In to be raised to their horizontal position as shown in Fig. 5.

The top of the spacer I5, interposed between top plate I2 and the underside of the vehicle axle, is grooved on the top to conform with the curvature of the axle, as indicated at 33. By providing the spacer, the support legs may be readily shortened or lengthened by substituting spacers of varying thickness.

The central portion of the bottom surface of the base plate may be cut away, as indicated at 3 3, so that if there is a curvature in the surface on which the support is lowered, a friction surface beneath each leg, for a firm gripping of the support, will nevertheless be provided.

-While the support legs 9 and Ill are positioned in parallel and universally mounted at each end, collapse will nevertheless be prevented when the axle I is elevated thereon, by the tires, while having the weight thereon substantially relieved, engaging the surface and preventing sidewise movement. In some circumstances the parallel relation of the legs 9' and 10. might be changed. In order to correct this distortion and to retain the legs 9 and Ill parallel with respect to each other, bifurcated lugs and 36 may be provided on the underside of the top plate, and top of the base plate respectively, centrally with respect thereto and the ends of a fiat spring 3'! longitudinally pivoted thereon by pins 38, as shown in Fig. 9. One end of the bar is provided with a slot 39, as shown in Fig. 10. The spring being longitudinally pivoted, free front and rear swinging of the support is not interfered with, but the spring tends to retain the legs in their normal parallel position.

The universal pivoting of the legs and both ends insures maximum freedom of the support from the sidewise and/or twisting forces which may be exerted thereon.

In place of the pair of parallel legs a single leg 40, carrying a circular base plate 4!, similarly mounted on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, may be provided, as shown in Fig. 3, or the leg mounted on either side of the longitudinal axis for relieving the weight of the vehicle on a single steering wheel. When one leg is employed a base plate having the bottom formed as shown inFig. 11 may be employed. The center portion is cut away and diametrically staggered projections 42 thus provided adjacent the rim, insuring a firm friction contact irrespective of the position of the base plate or of an uneven condition of the road surface.

Where a single support leg is employed, as shown in Fig. 3, instead of being centered on the axle it may be mounted on one side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 12. While this will provide for relieving the weight on only a single steering wheel of a vehicle, a relatively free turning of the steering wheels to accomplish the purpose of this invention may be obtained with the weight of the vehicle on one steering wheel thus relieved.

In Fig. 13 the support leg is shown comprising two sections l6 and 10" having the adjacent ends threaded for engaging in an internally threaded sleeve 43. Lock nuts 44 and 45 are engaged on the respective sections against the ends of the sleeve to fix the positions of the sections with respect thereto. It will be apparent that this construction provides for adjusting the length of the support to any desired degree, to accommodate the device to different vehicles or to compensate for varying degrees of inflation of the tires on the steering wheels. The base plate 4!, shown connected to the lower end of the support leg in this figure, is like that shown in Fig. 11 except that the surface contact portion, instead of being cut away, is formed with a eentra tapered depression M to insure a firm contact with an uneven surface.

In Figs. 14 and 15 a pair of oppositely positioned wedge members 46 and 41 are shown interposed between the plate I2 and spacer l5..

In this construction the sides of the plate l2 are extended as at 48 and 49 and formed with upturned ends 50 and 5|, provided with threaded apertures for receiving set screws 52 and 53/ The adjacent ends of the screws are formed with reducedv extensions 54 and collars 55 for fitting through apertures and in slots, 56 and 5'! respec tively, in the ends of the wedges: 46 and-41. Adjustment of the length of the support leg may thus be accomplished by relative movement be-' silient material, such as rubber, to alford a positive surface c ontact. The shoe of course is subject to replacement when worn. The shoe comprises a bottom rim 59, a side portion 60 and a top portion 6| adapted to fit in a groove provided around the top edge of the base portion.

In Fig. 19 is shown a modified form of shoe and base plate, the base plate having a flat surface contact portion 4|". A resilient circular shoe 62 having a reenforcing band of metallic material 63 embedded therein is secured on the bottom of the base plate by screws 64. In Fig. 20 there is shown a base plate like that shown in Fig. 13 except a shoe is fitted over the bottom" thereof. In Fig. 18 the base plate is shown as cut away around the lower rim, as at 65, and the shoulder projecting at the top threaded for receiving a collar 66. The bottom of the base plate is flat and a shoe 6'! is adapted to be fitted thereover and held by the collar 66 against the shoulder on the base plate by an inwardly projecting flange 68 formed on the lower edge of the collar.

The operation of my invention will be readily understood from the foregoing. When it is desired to maneuver in a restricted space of the character of a parking area, the ring is released from the hook on the steering column, allowing the support to drop down. on the supporting surface for free swinging movement. When the vehicle is backed, the base portion on the supporting member will grip the road surface and the axle carrying the support will be elevated thereon, and the weight on the tires relieved,

to allow free turning of the steering wheels. The vehicle may be brought to rest with the axle elevated and the wheels turned, or the wheels turned in the process of driving over the support. When the support is positioned in front of the axle, elevation thereon is accomplished in the reverse manner, that is by driving forward on the support. As the steering wheels are not com- When it is desired to secure the support in inoperative position it is positioned in the rear of the axle and the ring on the cable connected to the support engaged on the hook on the steering column. The leaf springs and rubber contact portions will prevent rattling and the helical spring on the supporting cable compensate for relative movement between the frame and axle of the vehicle without strain on the cable.

There is accomplished by this invention a de-- vice for facilitating parking by elevation of the axle of a. vehicle thereon by backward'or forward movement of the vehicle to relieve the weight on the tires to allow free turning of the steering.

fected by sidewise and/or twisting forces, and capable of being carried in its inoperative position without rattling.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, I wish it to be understood that I do not confine myself to the precise details of construction herein set forth, by Way of illustration, as it is apparent that many changes and variations may be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention, or exceeding the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering Wheels in parking comprising a pair of parallel support legs universally movable with respect to the vehicle and the supporting surface.

2. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a pair of parallel support legs mounted on the axle carrying the steering wheels and universally moviable with respect to the axle and the supporting -tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a pair of spaced parallel support legs universally mounted between plates, one of the plates being adapted to be mounted on a vehicle and the other to act .as a base plate.

5. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a plate mounted on the underside of the axle carrying the steering wheels, a pair of spaced support legs having the top ends universally mounted on the underside of the plate, and a base plate universally mounted on the lower ends of the support legs.

6. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a plate mounted on the underside of the vehicle axle carrying the steering wheels across the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a pair of spaced parallel support legs universally mounted on the underside of the plate, and. a base plate universally mounted on the lower ends of the support legs.

'7. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a plate mounted on the underside of the vehicle axle carrying the steering wheels, a spacer interposed between the plate and the axle, a pair of spaced ,parallel support legs universally mounted on the underside of the plate, and a base plate universally mounted on the lower ends of the support legs.

.8. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a plate mounted on the underside of the vehicle axle carrying the steering wheels, a pair of spaced parallel support legs having the top ends universally mounted on the underside of the plate wheel, universally mounted so as not to be afand a base plate universally mounted on the lower ends of the support legs, the base plate having its central contact portion cut away to insure a secure friction grip on each end.

9. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a plate mounted on the underside of the vehicle axle carrying the steering wheels, across the longitudinal axis of the wheels, a spacer interposed between the plate and the underside of the axle, a pair of spaced parallel support legs having the top ends universally mounted on the underside of the plate, a base plate universally mounted on the lower ends of the legs, having the central portion of the contact portion cut away to insure a secure friction grip on each end, and means to raise and lower the device from the driving compartment of the vehicle.

10. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a plate mounted on the underside of the vehicle axle carrying the steering wheels, a pair of spaced parallel legs having the top ends universally mounted on the underside of the plate, a base plate universally mounted on the lower ends of the legs, means to raise and lower the device from the driving compartment of the vehicle, and a pair of leaf springs for exerting tension on the device in its raised position to prevent rattling.

11. A device for relieving the Weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering Wheels in parking comprising a plate for securing on the underside of the vehicle axle carrying the steering wheels, a pair of spaced parallel support legs having the top ends universally mounted on the underside of the plate, a base plate universally mounted on the lower ends of the support legs and a bar longitudinally pivoted to the respective plates between the support legs to prevent collapse of the device.

12. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a plate for securing on the underside of the vehicle axle carrying the steering wheels, on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a support leg having the top end universally pivoted on the underside of the plate, and a base plate universally pivoted on the bottom of the support leg.

13. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a single support leg universally pivoted to the vehicle axle on one side of the longitudinal axis of the vehiclefor elevation of one end of the axle thereon to relieve the weight of the vehicle on the steering wheel on that end, to facilitate turning of the steering wheels, said universal pivoting being to permit movement of the leg to compensate for forces set up in using the device when the steering wheels are cramped.

14. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a single support leg universally pivoted to the vehicle axle on one side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and universally pivoted on a base plate, said universal pivoting permitting lateral movement of the leg to relieve strains in use.

15. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a single support leg, universally mounted. on one side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, adjustable in length, for elevation of the vehicle thereon to relieve the weight on one or both steering wheels, said universal pivoting being to permit movements of the leg to compensate for forces set up in using the device when the steering wheels are cramped.

16. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a support leg embodying two sections with the adjacent ends adjustably connected in a sleeve, universal- 1y mounted on the axle of the vehicle carrying the steering wheels for elevation of the axle thereon to relieve the weight of the vehicle on the steering wheels, said universal pivoting permitting lateral movement of the leg to relieve strains in use.

' 17. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a support for elevating the axle of a vehicle carrying the steering wheels to relieve the weight thereon, a mounting therefore permitting universal pivoting of the support, means forming a part of the mounting to adjust the length of the support, said universal pivoting being to permit movements of the leg to compensate for forces set up in using the device when the steering wheels are cramped.

18. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking comprising a support mounted on the axle of the vehicle carrying the steering wheels for elevation thereof thereon, and a pair of relatively movable wedges forming a part of the support mounting for adjusting the length of the support.

19. A device for relieving at least in part the weight on at least one of the steering wheels of a vehicle comprising a single compression element and upon which the vehicle is adapted to be driven, a universal mounting for the compression element at its top, a foot piece, and a universal mounting for the foot piece.

20. A device for relieving at least in part the weight on at least one of the steering wheels of a vehicle comprising a single compression element and upon which the vehicle is adapted to be driven, a universal mounting for the compression element at its top, a foot piece, and a ball and socket connection between the foot piece and the compression element.

21. A device of the character described for relieving the weight at least in part on one of the steering wheels of a vehicle comprising a single compression element, and upon which the vehicle is adapted to be driven, a ball and socket connection between the vehicle and the compression element, a foot piece, and a universal connection between the foot piece and the compression element.

22. A device of the character described for relieving the weight at least in part on one of the steering wheels of a vehicle comprising a single compression element, and upon which the vehicle is adapted to be driven, a ball and socket connection between the vehicle and the compression element, a foot piece, and a ball and socket connection between the foot piece and the compression element.

23. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking, comprising a compression element pivoted on a vehicle, means to hold the element in raised position, a universally pivoted foot for the compression element, and spring means carried by the car exerting forces directed on the foot in its raised position to prevent free movement of the foot and of the compression element in the raised position.

24. A device for relieving the weight on the tires of a vehicle to allow free turning of the steering wheels in parking, comprising a compression element pivoted on a vehicle, means to hold the element in raised position, a universally pivoted foot for the compression element, a leaf spring carried by the vehicle and exerting forces directly against the universally pivoted foot to prevent free movement of the pivoted foot and of the compression element and to maintain the universally pivoted foot in a relatively fixed position with respect to the compression element.

JOHN L. BARR. 

